Stifling Defense Leads EMU to a 79-34 Defeat of Siena Heights

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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - Behind a record-setting shooting performance from junior Willie Mangum IV (Richmond, Va.-Marshall), the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team (2-1, 0-0 MAC) cruised to a 79-34 victory over Siena Heights University Friday, Nov. 20 at the Convocation Center. The 34 points were the fewest given up by EMU since a 42-25 victory over Northern Illinois, Jan. 26, 2013.

Mangum finished with a career-high 29 points on 12-15 shooting (80 percent). The hot shooting percentage tied a school record for field-goal percentage in a game, taking 15-or-more field goal
attempts, with fellow teammate Raven Lee (Detroit, Mich.-Romulus), who also shot 12-of-15 from the field on his way to scoring 38 points vs. UT Arlington, Nov. 23, 2013. The Richmond, Va. native also went a perfect 2-of-2 from three point range, while adding seven rebounds and four steals.

Also having a big day was senior Brandon Nazione (Howell, Mich.-Howell), who finished with his second career double-double, going for career highs in points (14) and rebounds (11). Seven other Eagles got in the scoring book in the game. Freshman James Thompson IV (Baton Rouge, La.-Parkview Baptist), despite fouling out midway through the second half, had a career-high five blocks in the contest. Sophomore Tim Bond (Baltimore, Md.-City College High School)also had a career-high four steals.

The Green and White dominated in all facets of the game. Eastern shot 52 percent from the floor (31-of-59), while holding Siena Heights to just 21 percent (13-of-61). EMU's defense forced 25 turnovers including 15 steals, scoring 29 points off of them. The 25 turnovers were the most the Green and White have forced since Western Michigan made 26 miscues against the Eagles in a 56-37 win at the Convocation Center, Jan. 14, 2014. The biggest disparity of the contest was in the paint, as EMU outscored the Saints 46-16 down low.

Eastern Michigan faced a little early adversity, trailing by one at the under 16 timeout. Coming out of the break, Mangum began to take over scoring 14 points as part of a 21-3 run to take a commanding 28-9 lead at the five minute mark. As always, EMU brought immense pressure on the defensive side of the ball. They forced 18 turnovers in the first half, and turned them into 16 of points. As a result of the pressure, EMU took a 39-12 lead into the break.

The 12 points were the fewest allowed in a half by EMU since the 2013 season opener when the Eagles held Albion College to 11 in the first half. The Eagleswent on to outscoreSiena 32-6 over the final 15 minutes of the frame.

Momentum carried over into the second half for the Eagles, as EMU did not allow a point until the 13:05 mark. By that time the Green and White had extended their lead to 54-15 with seven of the points coming from Mangum.

With the big lead, EMU saw numerous players come off the bench and perform well in the second half. Most notable of which was freshman LaMonta Stone II (Detroit, Mich.-River Rouge), who scored his first career points as an Eagle on a tough layup. Stone, playing in just his second career game, finished with the two points, as well as three assists and a rebound. Down the stretch EMU led by as many as 47 before polishing off the 45 point victory. The differential was the largest margin of victory for the Eagles since the Green and White topped Concordia, 100-42, Dec. 28, 2014.

Eastern now faces its toughest test of the young season as they travel up to East Lansing, Mich. to battle with No. 13/13 Michigan State, Monday, Nov. 23. The Eagles and Spartans will tip-off from the Breslin Center at 7 p.m. with the game airing on Big Ten Network.

Stifling Defense Leads EMU to a 79-34 Defeat of Siena Heights

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Team Stats

Willie Mangum IV

Brandon Nazione

James Thompson IV

Jodan Price

Players Mentioned

Tim Bond

Ray Lee

Willie Mangum IV

Brandon Nazione

LaMonta Stone II

James Thompson IV

Players Mentioned

Tim Bond

Ray Lee

Willie Mangum IV

Brandon Nazione

LaMonta Stone II

James Thompson IV

Eastern Michigan Athletics